BJP still in majority in the Lower House

The loss of two Lok Sabha seats in the latest round of by-elections, results for which were announced Thursday, will not have a bearing on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)’S majority in the lower house of Parliament.

After Thursday verdict, the Lok Sabha’s effective strength increases to 540, excluding the Speaker.

This includes two nominated MPS – George Baker and Richard Hay – who are now members of the BJP.

The Shimoga, Bellary, Mandya and Anantnag Lok Sabha seats are vacant following resignation of BS Yeddyurappa, B Sreeramulu (both BJP), CS Puttaraju (JDS) and Mehbooba Mufti (PDP). In a house of 540, a party needs the support of 271 members of parliament (MPS) for a clear majority.

The Lok Sabha’s record put the BJP’S strength in the house at 272, excluding the speaker. The figure of 272 includes the two nominated members of the Anglo-indian community.

The BJP does not have a reason to worry about numbers as the ruling NDA has a comfortable majority in the lower house with partners such as Shiv Sena (18), Lok Jan Shakti Party (6), Shiromani Akali Dal (4) and others. The BJP won 282 seats in the 2014 election, to achieve a clear majority on its own. A defeat in over half a dozen bypoll has reduced its numbers.

The Lok Sabha speaker is yet to take a call on the resignation of five YSR Congress MPS, which, if accepted, will further bring down the strength of the house. Kendrapara MP Baijayant Jay Panda, too, has announced that he will quit the membership of the Lok Sabha.